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Ex-Derry mayor Elisha McCallion may replace Martin McGuinness as Foyle MLA

Elisha McCallion, the then mayor of Derry signs a book of condolence in the Guildhall after the death of Paddy 'Bogside' Doherty. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Elisha McCallion, the then mayor of Derry signs a book of condolence in the Guildhall after the death of Paddy 'Bogside' Doherty. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Elisha McCallion, the then mayor of Derry signs a book of condolence in the Guildhall after the death of Paddy 'Bogside' Doherty. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

SINN Féin would not be drawn on Monday night on whether Martin McGuinness will contest his Foyle seat if fresh elections are triggered as a result of his resignation as Deputy First Minister.

The shock resignation of the Sinn Féin leader leaves power sharing in limbo, with the Secretary of State James Brokenshire now expected to initiate new talks with a period of around six weeks before calling an election.

Sinn Féin party activists across the north have been placed on election footing since the new year, after calls for Arlene Foster to stand aside were rejected by the DUP leader.

While Sinn Féin have stated the resignation of their most senior member in the north was sparked solely by DUP intransigence, Mr McGuinness has been undergoing treatment for health problems in recent weeks.

The first mention of his ill health was in early December when a long standing trade trip to China along with Arlene Foster was cancelled at the last hour to allow him to receive treatment.

Announcing his resignation on Monday, during a brief and carefully managed press conference with only broadcasters invited, Mr McGuinness appeared extremely frail.

However, Sinn Féin say he had insisted on being present at Stormont to personally announce he was withdrawing from his post.

Sources close to Sinn Féin say that former Mayor of Derry Elisha McCallion is already being lined up to stand in any future assembly election in the Foyle seat currently occupied by Mr McGuinness.

The 34-year-old enjoyed a high profile year as mayor of the city in 2015 and is considered a safe pair of hands from a well respected Derry family.

An elected councillor for 12 years she was the first mayor of the new Derry and Strabane super council.

Former chair of the health committee Maeve McLaughlin who lost her seat in 2016 is also thought to have been approached to stand in any future election.

She had been an elected assembly member since June 2012 when she was selected to replace Martina Anderson after her move to the European Parliament.

Sources in the party say should fresh elections be called, long standing MLA Raymond McCartney has suggested he may not put his name forward for selection.

A spokesperson for Sinn Féin said on Monday that the decision on whether to stand again "would be for Martin McGuinness alone to make" adding that his resignation was "solely triggered" by the current political crisis.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood called for Mr McGuinness to be given space on Monday night.

“Today has been a day of fierce political debate and argument, that’s understandable. However, one thing that shouldn’t happen in this discussion is people using Martin McGuinness' health as part of a political tactic.

"Politicians and journalists alike should allow Martin McGuinness the time and space to deal with and recover from his health issues."

And he added: “The SDLP wishes him well in the days and weeks ahead.”